Forces step up hunt for Rama Krishna

KORAPUT: The hunt for Maoist central committee member Aaki Raju Hargopal alias Rama Krishna continued for the second consecutive day in the forests of Malkangiri on Tuesday.
Security forces combed the forests near Pingapuram and Beingii in the cut-off area spread across Balimela reservoir and recovered huge quantities of explosives, medicines, kitbags and Maoist uniforms and literature.
"The operation is on and the teams drawn from SOG of Odisha police, Greyhound of Andhra Pradesh and BSF are yet to return to the headquarters," said IG (south-western range) Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa.
The security forces raided three Maoist camps early on Monday, following reports of presence of Rama Krishna in forests under Panasput panchayat. They engaged the rebels in a gunbattle. From the blood trails at the spot, police suspect some casualties in the rival camp. No body has been recovered.
Police sources claimed the operation is first-of-its-kind in the cut-off area, which the Maoists declared a liberated zone owing to its remoteness and inaccessibility.
"The operation will continue for a few more days. Fresh batches of security personnel will be sent to the forests," said SP (Malkangiri) Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.